MassimilianoAllegri has reflected on his team’s performance in the lead-up to the winter break and on his relationship with SilvioBerlusconi.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, the Coach was asked to rate his side’s performance over the season with a mark out of 10, the Coach spoke of the change he has witnessed in his players.

“We began with a ‘4’ in the first five games, but then were up to an ‘8’ or ‘9’ in the next 11 and the squad is currently navigating at a ‘7’.

“The players’ best characteristic is that they always put themselves under discussion, we need to improve the construction of the game and to give away less both offensively and defensively.”

Allegri has been without Antonio Cassano since the end of October after the player required minor heart surgery to correct a congenital heart defect. The Coach reflected on the No 99 and other striking options in the team.

“We miss him so much, I think that with Milan he has been at the best of his career both technically and physically.

“I’m sorry for [Filippo] Inzaghi, who has made history with Milan, he has great enthusiasm but I have to make decisions. For some time he has not trained with the first team and I cannot take him into consideration, he has not been available.

“[Zlatan] Ibrahimovic is doing great things, like last year. He was also determined at Juventus and Inter and despite the criticism he was great at Barcelona.

“[Alexandre] Pato? I would like him to return as soon as possible to the player that he is.”

Silvio Berlusconi has recently returned to the club as active President after ending his career in politics and has already provided some public feedback for Allegri. The Coach insists that there is no friction in the relationship.

“It is great, we talk face to face often, I listen to his opinions, I give him explanations. The Coach has the daily pulse of the situation and must make choices on the team depending on this.

“When you are working at Milan it is normal that you try to win, I have been lucky to work here in two years when the club has been great in the transfer market.